Published bi-weekly by Read to Me, a service of the Idaho Commission for Libraries
In this Issue:
Welcome
Who's that mysterious person lurking behind sunglasses and a trench coat? Is it a spy? Is it a P.I.? No, it's just an ICFL staff member getting in character for "Clue into Outreach," the theme for the upcoming Read to Me outreach meeting. We are looking forward to meeting with 70 librarians from around the state on February 22-23, 2007, in Boise. This year we will be focusing on summer reading outreach opportunities. From unlocking secrets to new models for summer reading to sleuthing out the school connection, Idaho librarians have many ideas to share. Look for us to reveal some of these trade secrets from our undercover informants in upcoming issues of The Scoop.
Meet Lucy Barnard
Lucy Barnard has worked at the Post Falls Public Library for almost eight years. “Over the years I've had different jobs. I did ILL for three years, but have always had a hand in the children's department. I have been the children's librarian for the past three years and am now trying to branch out into young adult. It's hard to find the time to do both jobs well,” Lucy says.
She has a busy schedule with storytimes for three to five year olds, and a lapsit program for babies every other week. “I also have a P.J. storytime once a month. I order books for the children's and young adult areas, and we usually have a big family program once a month. We also have a homeschooler's hour once a month.”
Their family programs have been a big hit. “We get big turnouts depending on the event. At our Dr. Seuss Birthday Party we had over 600 people attend. Our summer reading participants were close to 700. My storytimes sometimes have close to 80 people including adults. Some fun programs we've done in the past include a Hank the Cowdog camp out in the library complete with haybales, a cowboy, a cowdog, trail mix, s'mores, a 'campfire' (it looked real) songs, movies, and a scavanger hunt in the library with all the lights out. We all spent the night in the library and you can't imagine the mess the next morning - hay, trailmix, etc. all over! We had a Peter and the Wolf puppet show with members of the Coeur d'Alene Symphony, and had a musical petting zoo; the kids got to try out the different instruments. Our Harry Potter Party was loads of fun. We had teens help us decorate and volunteer at the event.”
“We're just branching out into teen programming and have had a ‘girl's night out’ with makeup, hair, and bodyjam demos. We are having a scrapbooking evening for teens, and are also having teens from the highschool volunteer as part of their community service credit. We do not have a teen advisory board per se, but we do have teens that give us purchasing suggestions, volunteer at library events, etc.”
In addition to programming for young adults, one of Lucy’s current projects at the library is the remodeling of the young adult area. “It's been progressing slowly in fits and starts. We have ordered a new shelving unit purchased with funds from two grants, and it should be installed soon. This is just in time as we've pretty much run out of room for young adult materials. Our next project is a custom-made contemporary computer bar. We already have four new computers from a Gates grant. After the computer bar gets underway --in other words getting more funds together -- we hope to add a couple of booths.”
“My favorite children's book is one that my mom read to me when I was little, Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey. I was a tomboy and a bit of a rascal, plus I was always wandering off, so I could easily identify with Sal. She gets lost and ends up following a bear instead of her mother while searching for more blueberries. I still love blueberries, especially in pancakes!” she said.
Lucy’s favorite young adult book is True to Form by Elizabeth Berg. “Although written for adults, this story definitely has teen appeal. Both touching and humorous, it's about Katie Nash, a 13-year-old trying to deal with the loss of her mother while going through the traumas of middle school and adjusting to a new stepmother in the early 1960s.”
“For the past few years, when I am not at the library, I am usually doing homework as I am currently working on a Bachelor's degree in Information and Library Science through the University of Maine. The entire program is online, and although it's a lot of work (especially with working full-time at the library) the classes keep me up-to-date with current trends in the library world. In my down time I like to go on walks with my husband and our two dogs, listen to jazz or blues (especially live), enjoy good food and wine, and when we can scrape together enough money, we visit Europe.”
Library to Library
We were saddened to learn about the devastating fire on February 1 that destroyed over 70 percent of Middleton High School (located in Canyon County north of Caldwell), including the library, the cafeteria and a number of classrooms. Fortunately, one wing of the building was saved, and the school will be rebuilt, hopefully by July 2008. In the meantime, classes resumed on February 7th and are being held in various locations near the school, including the middle school, a nearby church, and portable classrooms. To see a story about the fire, go to KTVB television station's website.
Notus Public Library director Jo Ellen Ringer, who lives in Middleton, has been keeping the library community updated on LIBIDAHO. In a recent message Jo Ellen wrote: "The library contained 15,000 volumes and I don't know how many videos and DVDs. Estimates are around $500,000 for replacement value. The school district has been quite frank in saying the insurance check may get eaten up by construction costs. So experience at big-time fundraising or applying for grants would be appreciated."
"They are NOT accepting book donations from the general public, but would appreciate current young adult fiction from librarians. If they happen to have current (less than five years old) YA non-fiction, we would be happy to have it. They are actively are seeking donations to purchase new non-fiction. As most of you know, each library book is approximately $25-28. Donations can be made at any Syringa Bank in the Treasure Valley or mailed to Syringa Bank, 1028 W. Main St., Middleton, ID 83644. Check should be made out to: "Middleton Booster Club-Library Fund". They are ear-marking monies donating specifically for the library. Syringa Banks in Treasure Valley are also accepting docations. Please DO NOT donate to US Bank. That is a general fund and will be used for all needs."
You can also bring books to the Read to Me meeting in Boise, on Feb. 22-23. If you have particular questions about titles, call Yo Marts, the Middleton High School librarian at (208) 880-6144 or you can email Jo Ellen, who is passing any e-mail she receives on to Yo.
Boise Public Library sponsored a wildly successful “Little House on the Prairie” event on Saturday, February 10 that drew over 100 people. “We had to scramble a little to make room for everyone because we weren't expecting that many, but that’s a nice problem to have,” Youth Services Librarian Linda Brilz said.
Kevin Booe, the library's interim director, presented information about Laura Ingalls Wilder, the author of the "Little House" series of children's novels. Wilder would have turned 140 on February 7th. Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of her death at age 90.
“Kevin did a great job talking about Laura's life. He handed out a quiz and then went over it and gave the answers to the questions and then added some interesting additional information as he went,” Linda said.
Booe was raised near Laura Ingalls Wilder home in Mansfield, Mo., and has a grandfather who remembers reading the newspaper articles Wilder wrote with tips for raising chickens and apples. He has researched her life and dispelled some myths promoted by the television series. When he finished, the children began frontier craft projects.
“It was really fun to see several kids come in costume. We also had kids get involved in working on a quilt. The quilt squares were decorated by the kids and then they will go the senior center to be quilted and the quilt will be used to benefit ICAP - Idaho Child Abuse Protection group,” Linda said. Other activities included dressing up in period dresses and aprons, making popsicle-stick log cabins, and eating gingerbread cake made from Wilder's own recipe.
Linda said that they had TV coverage and there was a great article by Hilary Costa and picture in The Idaho Statesman (http://www.idahostatesman.com/387/story/71035.html.) “We had everyone from Laura Ingalls newbies to die-hard fans,” Linda said.
Young Adult Corner
Idaho Librarians Featured on Teen Tech Week Podcast
If your library has programs for teens, you'll want to participate in Teen Tech Week, March 4-10, 2007, sponsored by YALSA, the Young Adult Library Services Assiciation. A great place to get started is the YALSA "Teens and Tech" wiki. Learn more about TTW and/or share what you're doing to celebrate by visiting the wiki at www.ala.org/teentechweek.
You can also hear what other libraries are doing with teens and technology at the YALSA podcast web page. The most recent podcast features Idaho librarians who took the "Teens and Technology" online course and made a podcast for their final class project. (See the December 1st issue of The Scoop for more information on the Idaho group.) If you are planning an activite, e-mail Peggy or Stephanie and we'll share it in future Scoops.
Book Look
The American Indian Library Association (AILA) , an affiliate of ALA, has a new American Indian Youth Literature Award to honor and raise awareness about the best books written by and about American Indians. Winners in three categories of awards were announced in September 2006:
Picture Book: Beaver Steals Fire: A Salish Coyote Story, by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
From the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on the Flathead Reservation in Montana comes this powerful story of how fire was stolen from the sky by animals. The book is part of a fire education project, the first developed with a cultural perspecitve which celebrates the rich storytelling tradition of the Tribe. Read an overview of the fire education program. - Middle School - The Birchbark House, by Louise Erdrich
Set during the period of Westward Expansion by Europeans in the 1800s, this story provides a realistic and sympathetic view of daily life of a Ojibway girl and her family. Author Louise Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibway, weaves her own family history into the tale. This book offers many opportunities for children to learn more about a specific Native American culture. Many websites offer curriculum activities and discussion questions. Three to explore are:
http://www.trumpetclub.com/intermediate/activities/birchbark_house.htm
http://www.carolhurst.com/titles/birchbarkhouse.html
http://www.ala.org/ala/booklinksbucket/birchbarkhouse.htm
- Young Adult: Hidden Roots, by Joseph Bruchac
Eleven-year-old Sonny and his mother can't predict his father's sudden abusive rages. Jake's anger only gets worse after long days at the paper mill — and when Uncle Louis appears. Louis seems to show up when Sonny and his mother need help most, but there is something about his quiet wisdom that only fuels Jake's rage. Through an unexpected friendship with a new school librarian, Sonny gains the strength to stand up to his father, and to finally confront his mother and uncle about a secret family heritage that may be the key to his father's self-hatred. (Source: Scholastic) To read more about the author, visit: http://www.childrenslit.com/f_bruchac.html.
(Source: ALSC Connect newsletter, September 2006)
Upcoming Events
March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’ Birthday!! There will be a big celebration at the Kuna District Library, on Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m. Participants will travel to Seussville and nibble on Green Eggs and Ham! Thing One and Thing Two (see photo at right) will be on hand to stir things up.
If your library is planning on celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday or the 50th Anniversary of The Cat in the Hat, please e-mail Peggy or Stephanie and we'll share it in future Scoops.
The JumpStart kindergarten registration outreach deadline has been extended. There are no matching fund requirements and we don't need to know the exact dates for registration. Sign up now! See http://libraries.idaho.gov/jumpstart for the simple application and more details.
The Idaho Library Association's regional spring conference dates have been set:
- Region 2 - Northern Idaho - May 4
- Region 3 - Treasure Valley - May 19
- Region 4 - Magic Valley - April 4
- Regions 5 &6 - Southeast and Eastern Idaho - April 27
For more information and to contact conference chairs, visit the ILA website:http://www.idaholibraries.org/.
Teen Tech Week
Teen Tech Week is March 4-10, 2007 www.ala.org/teentechweek.
Summer Reading News
What's in a name?
The Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) members are meeting in April to plan for upcoming summer reading themes. They are requesting your input on two items:
1) Suggestions for the 2009 theme title that focuses on music and the arts.
2) Suggestions for a theme topic for 2010.
Please send your suggestions to Peggy by March 15. Thanks for your help!
More Web Sites with "Get a Clue" Ideas (thanks to Rhonda K. Puntney, Youth Services and Special Needs Consultant Lakeshores Library System, Waterford, WI)
School Zone
School librarians urged to complete brief online survey
A nationwide school library survey that will provide critical data on the health of the nation's school library media programs was recently announced by AASL, the division of the American Library Association that deals with school libraries.
The survey is brief with 20 questions covering the library media center's hours, staff and selected staff activities, collection, technology, usage, and expenditures.
You are invited to participate whether your K-12 library is public or private. Go to http://www.ala.org/aasl/schoollibrariescount<http://www.ala.org/aasl/schoollibrariescount> for information. A link to the survey is provided from that site or you can go to http://www.aaslsurvey.org. The deadline is in mid-March.
School Libraries and Librarians Improve Student Test Scores
A 2005 study of the Illinois School Libraries shows that students who frequently visit well-stocked and well-staffed school libraries end up with higher ACT scores and perform better on reading and writing exams. Interestingly, the study points out that access digital technology plays a strong role in test results, noting that “high schools with computers that connect to library catalogs and databases average 6.2 percent improvement on ACT scores”.
Several recommendations for action relating to Illinois school libraries are offered on the basis of this study’s findings:
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Access to school libraries should be scheduled as flexibly as possible. Local conditions sometimes limit the extent to which flexible scheduling can be adopted. Vested interests in existing schedules sometimes make it difficult to make such changes. But, the evidence supports a policy of flexible scheduling to maximize the benefits to students and teachers of school library programs.
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A high-quality school library, at any grade level, requires at least one librarian plus support staff. It is through collaboration with classroom teachers that school librarians affect the academic achievement of students. It is when visiting school libraries that students benefit from their usage. For both of these sets of activities to occur, both types of library staff are needed.
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Computers that provide access to library resources—both in the library or elsewhere in the school—should be available to facilitate student performance. When library and educational technology programs are coordinated, library resources can be available to students and teachers when and where the resources are needed. Computers outside the library, but connected to library resources, extend the reach of the library program beyond its own walls. At the same time, the results of this study suggest that print collections of books and periodicals remain important resources, and that their currency is especially important.
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School libraries should be funded to maintain their traditional collections as well as to expand their reach beyond the library’s walls via educational technology. School libraries must purchase and continue to purchase the information resources required to support instruction in their schools, whether it is available in print or online.
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Last, but not least, students achieve academically when their visits to libraries bring them into contact with librarians as teachers and co-teachers. Clearly, visits to libraries impact academic achievement most when libraries are being used as classrooms, study spaces, training facilities, and research centers. School libraries and librarians should not merely support instruction in their schools; they should be integral to it.
Know the Numbers
The Office of the Idaho State Board of Education in its 2007 Legislative Report on the Limited English Proficient (LEP) Program documents Idaho's growing diversity:
Over 114 languages are spoken by students in Idaho schools. These languages represent students from 85 countries. The top three languages of LEP (limited English proficient) student are:
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Spanish (74.18%)
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Shoshone (1.83%)
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Serbo-Croatian (1.33%)
In 2005-06, Idaho’s “migrant students” comprised 18.83% of LEP students. The number of migrant students has decreased over the past five years, reflecting a national trend that Idaho’s migrant population is beginning to settle throughout the state.
A Closer Look at El Dia de los Ninos
"'Bookjoy,' the private pleasure that true readers savor, is something to share, and every child deserves to find a good home in books. This desire prompted the founding of El dia de los ninos / El dia de los libros (Children's Day / Book Day) more that 10 years ago. Along with energetic and committed librarians and teachers, I wanted kids and their diverse families to experience literacy in all their home languages as fun and welcoming."
Author Pat Mora wrote these inspiring words in her article, "Celebrating Children and Books," published in Book Links, Vol. 16, No. 3, January, 2007. She really captures the spirit which Idaho librarians have brought to their El Dia celebrations beginning in 2001. By 2003, support for the annual event had grown and the Idaho Legislature and Gov. Dirk Kempthorne made Children's Day - April 30 an official Idaho holiday. The Idaho Commission for Libraries has lent its support to this celebration because it offers libraries a great opportunity for community outreach to all children and to affirm the importance of language, literacy and culture in children’s lives.
The Commission is partnering with the Governor's Executive Office for Children and Families (EOFC) and the Governor's Coordinating Council for Families and Children (GCCFC) to get the word out about this great opportunity for community collaborations. Whether you are planning a community-wide celebration or a special library storytime, some great resources are at your fingertips. The ICFL website has links to:
If you want some guidance in planning an event, the GCCFC El Dia Handbook is accessible online at:
http://www.gccfc.idaho.gov/documents/dayofthechildhandbook.pdf
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has become the national home for El Dia de los Ninos. The ALSC El Dia website has links to examples of what other libraries across the country are doing, sample educational presentations to use in promoting El Dia in your community, and links to resources like a toolkit for planning library programs, sample press releases, and more.
The Idaho Commission for Libraries' Read to Me project also has a website devoted to El Dia. In addition to links to websites, booklists for multicultural books, and other resources, Read to Me also has free support materials that you can order for your events. Many of these items are available in a bilingual (English/Spanish) format, including:
- Library coloring book (bilingual)
- Read doorhanger (read in 14 languages)
- Bookmarks with reading suggestions for age groups: baby, toddler, preschool, early elementary (available in English or in Spanish)
- Building Bridges multicultural booklet (a bibliography of great titles for birth to middle school)
- Spanish language nursery rhymes (Spanish)
Tips & Tools
New 
Books!
The Idaho Commission for Libraries Professional Development Service (PDS) provides access to numerous titles in the field of library and information sciences. Free shipping to and from your library is provided! See http://libraries.idaho.gov/pds for more information. The following are a few of the recent additions.
Tips and Other Bright Ideas for Secondary School Libraries, edited by Sherry York, Linworth Books, 2006. [ICFL 027.8 TIPS S].
These practical tips and advice—offered by school library media specialists—address the real-life issues secondary school librarians face on a daily basis. From suggestions on teaching research skills to building positive public relations to integrating technology into the library, librarians are sure to find these tips useful and timely.
Librarian’s Internet Survival Guide: Strategies for the High-Tech Reference Desk, by Irene E. McDermott, Information Today, 2006. [ICFL 025.52 MCDERMO].
In this updated and expanded second edition of her popular guidebook, the author once again exhorts her fellow reference librarians to don their pith helmets and follow her fearlessly into the Web jungle. She presents new and improved troubleshooting tips and advice, resources for answering reference questions, and strategies for managing information and keeping current. In addition, she offers practical advice on privacy and child safety, assisting patrons with special needs, Internet training, building Web pages, and much more.
Reading is Our Business: How Libraries Can Foster Reading Comprehension, by Sharon Grimes, American Library Association, 2006. [ICFL 027.8 GRIMES].
Motivating children to read is essential in instilling a lifelong love of reading. Many parents cannot model engagement with books. Instead, teachers, school media specialists, and children’s librarians must help children embrace reading. This book includes a unique seven-step reading strategy. Each step is illustrated by actual classroom examples for teaching students how to understand what they read and is supplemented by age appropriate author and book lists.
News Beyond Idaho
Librarians are finding all kinds of ways to connect with teens. Featured as the "Site of the Month" by School Library Journal, Pop Goes the Library, www.popgoesthelibrary.com/, is a blog founded by a teen librarian from the Camden County Public Library in New Jersey who wanted to make the library more relevant to the library's teen patrons. The blog helps to build bridges between popular culture and library services. Recent postings include finding websites that help identify music used on TV shows, watching "American Idol," and the Super Bowl. Currently five public librarians contribute to the blog. (Source: School Library Journal, pg. 22, February 2007)
Talk Back: We welcome your feedback on anything in The Scoop. Just e-mail Peggy or Stephanie and we'll print your comments in The Scoop.
